The Belgaum newspapers had published reports that the "great saint Shri Meher Baba" was currently in Belgaum on a "world tour." As a result, on Sunday, 6 November 1949, a number of people came for Baba's darshan. It was quite difficult for the companions to explain things to them, because, according to the New Life conditions, they were not to refer to Baba as "Master" nor to themselves as "disciples." No spiritual explanations were to be given, and nothing compromising with regard to the aim and object of the New Life was to be uttered.
When people were refused darshan they raised a number of questions which the companions could not answer without breaching the New Life conditions. It was a confusing situation. The visitors insisted on having darshan. Some said they would be satisfied with darshan from a distance; some asked that in absence of darshan, the offerings they had brought, such as flowers, coconuts and fruit be laid at Baba's feet.
At last, Baba sent Ghani and Adi to speak with them, but they remained dissatisfied and said that they should at least be allowed to see Baba from a distance and to circumambulate the premises. When Baba was informed, he sent Vishnu with instructions that he would permit darshan from a distance for one minute only, but they should not question him, nor fold their hands, nor offer any salutation to Baba. On the contrary, they should let Baba touch their feet! Only two people agreed to these conditions, and Baba bowed to them.
After tea, the companions recounted their difficulties, asking how they could satisfy the questions of such inquisitive people and at the same time keep within the limits of the conditions and requirements of the New Life. How much should be said, and what should be left unsaid? Baba gave the following talk to help them in tackling such inquisitive people.
Baba instructed them to tell people this much:
Hopelessness means renunciation of all hopes.
Aimlessness means renunciation of all aims.
Helplessness means renunciation of all help.
No Master, no disciple, means renunciation of spirituality. And the New Life I have in mind eventually means absolute renunciation.
Therefore, if anyone asks you what this New Life is, say, "Absolute and perfect renunciation." If they ask, "Renunciation of what?" say, "Of everything — aims, hopes, help and life itself."
From now on, until the very end, occasions will often arise when people will ask all sorts of questions.